Synopsis
As ILT20 Season 3 progresses, Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, MI Emirates, and Sharjah Warriorz have secured their playoff spots. The tournament features a prize pool exceeding USD 1 million, with key matchups set for February 5 and 6, leading to an exciting finale on February 9.Key Takeaways
- Desert Vipers and Dubai Capitals meet in Qualifier 1.
- MI Emirates face Sharjah Warriorz in the Eliminator.
- Shai Hope leads with most runs in the tournament.
- Fazalhaq Farooqi tops the wicket-taker chart.
- The final is scheduled for February 9 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Dubai, Feb 4 (NationPress) The ILT20 Season 3 has reached a critical juncture, with the Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, MI Emirates, and Sharjah Warriorz clinching their positions in the playoffs.
The tournament features a total prize pool exceeding USD 1 million, with the Desert Vipers set to challenge the Dubai Capitals in Qualifier 1, where the victor will secure a spot in the final. Meanwhile, the MI Emirates will go head-to-head with the Sharjah Warriorz in the Eliminator, and the winner of that match will face the loser of Qualifier 1 for the last place in the final.
The Desert Vipers have distinguished themselves this season, earning their playoff position early with a remarkable streak of four consecutive wins. Their campaign has been boosted by stellar performances from Alex Hales (286 runs) and Sam Curran (267 runs), who have played pivotal roles with the bat. In bowling, Wanindu Hasaranga and Mohammad Amir have each taken 11 wickets, with Hasaranga boasting an impressive economy rate of 5.33 over 30 overs, the best in the tournament.
Despite their strong showing, the Vipers have faced some challenges recently, suffering two losses in their last three matches. They will look to reassert their dominance against a revitalized Dubai Capitals team that has defeated them twice earlier this season.
Reflecting on the season thus far and anticipating the playoffs, Tom Moody, Director of Cricket for the Desert Vipers, stated, “There have been many positive aspects to reflect on during our seven wins, showcasing both team and individual excellence. Our focus now is to bring our best performance this Wednesday night.”
After experiencing three consecutive defeats at the beginning of the season, last year’s runners-up, the Dubai Capitals, have regained their form, achieving five victories in six matches to end second on the points table. Shai Hope currently holds the Green Belt for most runs, accumulating 467 runs in ten innings at an average of 66.71, which includes three half-centuries and one century. Additionally, Dushmantha Chameera has excelled with the ball, taking 12 wickets in eight matches. The Capitals have also benefited from Gulbadin Naib's performances, who has made three half-centuries and scored 314 runs in ten innings.
As they head into their third consecutive playoff in the ILT20, Sikandar Raza remarked, “The advantage of being in the top two is beneficial, but we aim to reach the final directly without needing to compete in the Eliminator. Ultimately, our goal is to win the final this year.”
The reigning champions, MI Emirates, were the second team to secure a playoff spot. Their season has been a mix of highs and lows, with five victories from ten matches. Tom Banton has stood out, scoring 464 runs, including two centuries—a first in ILT20 history. Captain Nicholas Pooran has also played a key role with three half-centuries.
Fazalhaq Farooqi from MI Emirates leads the race for the White Belt (most wickets), having taken 20 wickets in ten matches, including an impressive 5 for 16 against the Dubai Capitals, setting a league record.
The Sharjah Warriorz broke a four-match losing streak to secure three consecutive wins, finishing fourth on the points table with ten points in as many games. Their top order has excelled, with Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Johnson Charles each registering three half-centuries, scoring 347 and 305 runs respectively. Adam Milne and captain Tim Southee have led the bowling attack, accounting for 11 and eight wickets respectively.
The Sharjah Warriorz enter the eliminator following a dominant eight-wicket victory over the MI Emirates in their last group-stage match. Earlier in the season, the Warriorz’s losing streak had commenced with a nine-wicket loss to the MI Emirates.
In the previous season, James Vince claimed the Green Belt, Waqar Salamkheil earned the White Belt, Sikandar Raza was awarded the Red Belt, and Muhammad Waseem secured the Blue Belt for the second consecutive year.
Qualifier 1 will feature the Desert Vipers against the Dubai Capitals on February 5 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, while the MI Emirates will confront the Sharjah Warriorz in the Eliminator on February 6 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The winner of the Eliminator will then face the loser of Qualifier 1 in Qualifier 2 on February 7 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The action will return to the Dubai International Cricket Stadium for the final on February 9.
